Shape reconstruction of trapezoidal surfaces from unorganized point clouds

A smooth T-surface can be thought of as a generalization of a surface of revolution in such a way that the axis of rotation is not fixed at one point but rather traces a smooth path on the base plane. Furthermore, the action, by which the aforementioned surface is obtained does not need to be merely rotation but any “suitable” planar equiform transformation applied to the points of a certain smooth profile curve. In analogy to the smooth setting, if the axis footpoints sweep a polyline on the base plane and if the profile curve is discretely chosen then a T-hedra (discrete T-surface) with trapezoidal faces is obtained.

The goal of this article is to reconstruct a T-hedron from an already given unorganized point cloud of a T-surface. In doing so, a kinematic approach is taken into account, where the algorithm at first tries to find the aforementioned axis direction associated with the point cloud. Then the algorithm finds a polygonal path through which the axis footpoint moves. Finally, by properly cutting the point cloud with the planes passing through the axis and its footpoints, it reconstructs the surface. The presented method is demonstrated using examples.

From an applied point of view, the straightforwardness of the generation of these surfaces predestines them for building and design processes. In fact, one can find many built objects belonging to the sub-classes of T-surfaces such as surfaces of revolution and moulding surfaces. Furthermore, the planarity of the faces of the discrete version paves the way for steel/glass construction in industry. Finally, these surfaces are also suitable for transformable designs as they allow an isometric deformation within their class.